EU Hints at Farm-Tariff Flexibility

Attempt to Reignite
Trade Talks Elicits
Cool U.S. response

By

Scott Miller

Updated May 24, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

PARIS -- The European Union, trying to take heat off itself and reignite stalled global-trade talks, signaled it could show new flexibility in cutting farm tariffs. But the U.S. quickly said it was unclear whether the EU was willing to go far enough.

The EU's move came as its trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, met with incoming U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab in Paris. Ms. Schwab is succeeding Rob Portman, with whom Mr....